A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
